Abstract: Reagents and assays for detecting HIV-1 groups M and O and optionally HIV-1 group N and SIVcpz are provided. The reagents are nucleic acid primers for the hybridization to, amplification and subsequent detection of HIV-1 groups M, N and O and SIVcpz in a biological sample. The primers are oligonucleotides that selectively hybridize to the highly conserved regions of the env and pol regions of HIV-1. The assays employ the primers for HIV-1 nucleic acid amplification using amplification techniques such as reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction. The assays are useful for diagnosing an HIV-1 group M, HIV-1 group N, or an HIV-1 group O infection in a patient. Due to the high sensitivity of the assays, small concentrations of HIV in a biological sample can be detected, thereby allowing diagnosis at an early stage of infection. The assays are also useful for detecting HIV-1 contamination in a biological fluid such as blood.

Abstract: Described herein are nucleic acid molecules which encode multiple highly conserved epitopes from HIV-1 proteins, and optionally also epitopes from CCR5; usually also included sequences that encode spacers between two or more of the epitopes. Some of the provided nucleic acid molecules further include sequences that encode targeting domains, useful for targeting the encoded protein into a pathway for enhancing epitope presentation in a vertebrate immune system. Also described are multivalent proteins encoded for by these nucleic acid molecules. The disclosure also encompasses immunogenic compositions that comprise one or more of the nucleic acid molecules, and/or one or more of the proteins encoded thereby, as well as methods of inducing an immune response against HIV-1 in a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition containing one or more of these molecules. Also provided are cultured host cells containing within them one or more of the described nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Reagents and assays for detecting HIV-1 groups M and O and optionally HIV-1 group N and SIVcpz are provided. The reagents are nucleic acid primers for the hybridization to, amplification and subsequent detection of HIV-1 groups M, N and O and SIVcpz in a biological sample. The primers are oligonucleotides that selectively hybridize to the highly conserved regions of the env and pol regions of HIV-1. The assays employ the primers for HIV-1 nucleic acid amplification using amplification techniques such as reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction. The assays are useful for diagnosing an HIV-1 group M, HIV-1 group N, or an HIV-1 group O infection in a patient. Due to the high sensitivity of the assays, small concentrations of HIV in a biological sample can be detected, thereby allowing diagnosis at an early stage of infection. The assays are also useful for detecting HIV-1 contamination in a biological fluid such as blood.